Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"I'll skip dinner. Got some stuff to handle. Let's catch up later, okay?" Roseanne always had a way of letting people down easy, her good-natured refusal leaving no room for Cliff to feel slighted.

She was holding a designer jewelry box, a sign she wasn't making excuses. Cliff noticed, but before he could say more, Roseanne had breezed past Murray, making a beeline for the exit without a second glance.

The atmosphere tensed up. Cliff stole a look at Murray's sour expression and awkwardly tried to smooth things over. "Uh, Murray, maybe Roseanne didn't see you. Don't take it to heart..."

Mentioning it worsened Murray's mood. He cleared his throat, opting to stay silent, though he thought, 'Roseanne's standing her ground this time!'

The sales girl asked, "Sir, are you still interested?"

Murray's eyes snapped up, cold as ice. "Of course, why wouldn't I? Give me the most expensive one."

Murray thought, 'If she doesn't want it, someone else will!'

When Roseanne arrived, the party was in full swing at a villa down Crescent Lane. The place was bustling, and the moment people recognized her, the air filled with unspoken judgments. When she was Murray's plus-one, she was a regular at these gatherings, blending into the crowd without much fuss.

But rumors of their split had spread, and her solo appearance only fueled the gossip. Was she the Cinderella again without her prince? Six years of her life was all for nothing, just another cast-off. The juicy gossip was too good to pass up.

Roseanne ignored the stares and went straight to Leda, handing over the jewelry.

"Anne, why don't you stay? The food's great tonight."

"No, I should get going. Don't drink too much and make sure you get home safe."

"Okay," Leda didn't press her. She knew the kind of judgment Anne would face if she stayed. "Got it, Miss Nagger! Karl will drive you."

"Thanks." Roseanne turned to leave, the whispers growing louder around her.

"Did you see that? Roseanne showed up, the nerve!"

"She was with Murray for six years. There's bound to be some leftover feelings." "It's just sad. Do you see what Roseanne is wearing? My cleaner dresses better." "Everyone knows she was practically his maid, cooking and cleaning for him..."

"Ms. Cole..." Karl caught a glimpse of Roseanne's expression.

Even as a man, he found the harsh words unbearable, yet Roseanne seemed unaffected.

"Let's go." She had anticipated this kind of talk when she decided to leave Murray. Today's scene was no surprise.

Karl said, "Ms. Cole, just a moment. I'll bring the car around."

"Sure." Roseanne stood outside the hall, looking up at the sky. The sun was setting, and the breeze was gentle. That was when she heard it.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Roseanne?" A deep, slightly tipsy voice called out.

She turned, their eyes meeting.

"What a coincidence."

Holding a wine glass, Aaron Lincoln looked at her with a subdued delight. "Long time no see. I didn't expect to run into you here. It's been a while. The last time we met was at your college graduation. Shame, Murray kicked me out before I could give you the flowers."

Roseanne felt a twinge of awkwardness.

Back then, Aaron and Murray had pursued her around the same time, both heirs to fortunes and equally attractive yet equally wild.

"I've got to go."